Associate Curator of American Art

The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is searching for an innovative Associate Curator of American Art. Under the direction of the Deputy Director and Head of Art and Exhibitions, the Associate Curator manages the PMA's collection of American art in the permanent and loan collections. The Associate Curator will engage in close collaboration with staff across the Museum, including the award-winning Education Department, playing a significant role in developing programming and interpretive initiatives that span the Museum’s campus in Portland and the Winslow Homer Studio in nearby Prouts Neck.

The Associate Curator of American Art will embrace a national role in promoting research and scholarship on American art, Winslow Homer, and the role Maine has played in American art and cultural history. The candidate is expected to have a track record of collaborative projects that engage and build audiences, as well as an interest in advocating for an expansive understanding of American art. The candidate’s work will focus on interdisciplinary and collaborative projects with Museum staff, community organizations, and peer museums. Specifically, candidates should demonstrate an interest in community-centered curatorial practice as well as an enthusiasm for working with Indigenous cultural creators, cultural keepers, and community partners.

The Associate Curator will have an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to the future of the PMA at this dynamic moment as the museum continues its PMA Blueprint initiative. Rooted in the PMA's Art for All mission and core values of Equity, Sustainability, Trust, Courage, and Service, Blueprint will expand the museum’s campus with a new architecturally significant building and reshape museum practice as the PMA expands its role as a regional leader, a keystone for our communities, and a catalyst for our economy. 

Position Summary

The Associate Curator of American Art conducts scholarly research, plans installations, orchestrates exhibition projects, develops interpretive materials, recommends acquisitions, and advances the PMA’s mission. The curator will interact closely with various stakeholders to elevate public engagement and understanding of American Art and its representation in the PMA’s collections.

Job Functions

Exhibition and Installation Development

• Develops and organizes exhibitions and gallery installations aimed at enhancing public understanding of specific artistic fields.
• Manages the selection of objects, evaluates external proposals, and prepares supportive materials including labels, catalogs, and installation plans.

Collection Research and Acquisition

• Conducts in-depth research of the PMA’s collection within a specific artistic field and recommends acquisitions to enhance the collection.
• Serves as a scholarly resource both internally and externally, fostering relationships with collectors and dealers nationally.
• Supports Maine-based artists by conducting studio visits and reviewing submissions as part of the PMA's commitment to local talent.

Program and Audience Development

• Works collaboratively across departments to coordinate exhibition logistics and publication efforts.
• Engages with internal and external partners to create educational and program content.
• Provides gallery talks, lectures, and presentations to various audience segments, including the scholarly community and the PMA’s members.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Collaborates with the Philanthropy team to identify funding opportunities, cultivate prospects, and assist with grant applications.
• Advises and participates in activities of the PMA’s affinity groups, enhancing donor relations and fundraising initiatives.

Professional Engagement and Representation

• Participates in regional and national professional communities to enhance the understanding and reputation of the PMA and its programs.
• Builds relationships with the public, including scholars, critics, community groups, and others, to increase interest in the museum, its collections, and its goals.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Collaborates on special projects, as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Qualifications

• M.A., A.B.D. or Ph.D. in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a museum, gallery, or similar setting.
• A combination of related education, certifications, and experience may be considered.
• Extensive art historical knowledge with scholarly achievements.
• Proficiency in exhibition development and installation.
• Experience in managing art collections.
• Demonstrated ability in fundraising and donor engagement, preferred.
• Experience in public speaking and educational programming, preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Proficient in computers, common software (e.g., Microsoft Office), and role-specific tools.
• Manages large amounts of data accurately and efficiently.
• Maintains confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation and collaboration.
• Capable of developing reports, presentations, and summaries to support decision-making.
• Basic financial awareness to interpret reports and manage budgets.
• Skilled in analyzing data, identifying root causes, and problem-solving.
• Ensures high standards of accuracy and quality in all tasks.
• Demonstrates adaptability, resilience, and a continuous learning mindset.

Standards of Excellence

• Strives to maintain a friendly and welcome attitude toward all.
• Builds positive relationships through kindness, respect, and attentiveness.
• Respects and is sensitive to diverse cultures, orientations, and perspectives.
• Supports inclusivity by promoting equity and addressing barriers.
• Communicates effectively and professionally.
• Adheres to the PMA brand charter and style guide.
• Delivers exceptional customer service in all visitor areas.
• Works collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Inspires and motivates others.
• Demonstrates responsibility, reliability, and ethical behavior.
• Always follows safety protocols and procedures.

Other Requirements

• Successfully pass a background check and any required pre-employment screenings.
• Valid State of Maine Class C driver’s license, preferred.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support programs and events.
• Frequent regional and national travel with international travel as needed, to offsite PMA locations, partner institutions, exhibitions, acquisitions, and industry events for meetings, conferences, professional development, and research.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Work Environment: In-person at the PMA or affiliated sites, including offices, galleries, and archives.
• Physical Demands: Frequent walking and standing; fine motor skills for handling delicate materials; extensive computer use requiring visual acuity; occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Exposures: Varying lighting and temperature; fluctuating noise levels; large crowds at events.
• Flexible Workday Agreements allowing employees to work remotely one day per week may be available to eligible employees consistent with the PMA’s Flexible Workday Policy.

Other Duties as Assigned

This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and expectations for this role. However, the employer reserves the right to modify or update job functions as needed to meet evolving business needs, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The PMA is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, whistleblower status, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Maine Human Rights Act, the PMA provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship. This policy covers all employment practices, including the application process. For accommodation requests, please contact the PMA’s Human Resources department.

Salary : $68,969